Pistons All-Star forward Blake Griffin underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in Los Angeles on Wednesday, according to a team press release.
The procedure addressed the issue that caused soreness in the knee late in the regular season and the playoffs. He is not expected to miss any planned offseason training for next season, the release adds.
Griffin had a banner season, carrying the Pistons to the playoffs for just the second time since the 2008/09 season. He averaged 24.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG and 5.4 APG during the regular season while staying healthy until the knee issue cropped up. He appeared in 75 games this season after playing 67 or fewer games the previous four seasons.
He was a late scratch against Portland on March 30 and then missed the next two games before scoring 45 points in a loss to Oklahoma City. He played the next two games with diminishing returns and sat out the playoff-clinching win over New York in the regular-season finale.
He missed the first two games of the opening round against Milwaukee, then averaged 24.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG and 6.0 APG in the last two games of the lopsided series. Griffin has three years and approximately $110MM remaining the contract he signed with the Clippers before getting traded to Detroit during the middle of last season.
As Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer notes, Griffin has dealt with a sprained MCL, broken kneecap, meniscus tear, partially torn quadriceps and bone bruise in the same leg during his career.
Detroit loves Blake Griffin and Blake Griffin loves Detroit
Next year and the following year, when he gets hurt and misses 1/2 the season and 1/2 the playoffs, you will change your tune, Sincerely Clippers Fans
He should punch another employee of the training staff.
Blake needs just a little more help in Detroit. I think Detroit fans need to go to the games and give them some support. Blake has been great for Detroit. Too bad he drives KIA.
Yikes Detroit is last in home attendence, by percentage sold, but 14th in road percentage. link to espn.com
Griffin seems like a type that is historically popular there.